Search Results for: waterfront

September 27, 2014

Weekly Highlights: Top Picks from the 6sqft Staff

Michelle Williams lists her gorgeous ivy-covered Boerum Hill townhouse for $7.5 million. See exclusive photos from the opening of the High Line’s third phase, as well as some beautiful snaps by photographer Iwan Baan. City Kids: Why parents pick city living over the suburbs. The Columbia Street Waterfront District, a quirky, 22-block enclave wedged between Red Hook […]

September 22, 2014

Goldilocks Blocks: (Far) East 7th Street in Alphabet City

Between hyper-developed hotspots, main drags in up-and-comers, big-ticket townhouse enclaves, and those genuinely avoidable areas, there can often be found a city's "just-right" zones. Free from corner menace, sticker shock and boom-time developer schlock, these special spots often span only a few blocks in each direction and are close enough to the center of their 'cool destination' nabes to legitimately bear their names. They aren't commonly known, and are best found by pounding the pavement, but these micro-neighborhoods often hide within them real estate gems coupled with perfectly offbeat vibes—you just have to be willing to do a little legwork. But when you do find them, don’t sleep on them... Winners like the Columbia Street Waterfront District were once Goldilocks blocks. Today we'll look at a unique 7th Street stretch hidden in Alphabet City.
Find out what makes this Alphabet City block so special.
September 20, 2014

Weekly Highlights: Top Picks from the 6sqft Staff

The East River Skyway is revealed, and it could bring commuters from Brooklyn to Manhattan in under four minutes. Could it be the solution for increasing public transportation congestion? We talk to architect Adam Kushner about building the world’s first 3D-printed estate. See how a former Tribeca automotive garage was transformed into a space for living, art, and commerce. Sunset […]

September 17, 2014

POLL: Is the East River Skyway the future of NYC transportation?

Yesterday, Dan Levy, the president and CEO of CityRealty, presented his proposal for the ‘East River Skyway,’ an aerial gondola system that would run along the Brooklyn waterfront and into Manhattan, bringing commuters over the river in just 3.5 minutes. Now, we want to know what you think about the idea. Images: East River Skyway, courtesy of CityRealty […]

September 16, 2014

REVEALED: East River Skyway Will Bring Brooklyn Commuters to Manhattan in Under Four Minutes

There's no stopping the Brooklyn development boom, but getting to and from the borough from Manhattan will increasingly become a nightmare with thousands of new residential units hitting the market in the coming years. If you've commuted from Brooklyn to Manhattan (and vice versa) you know that the subway system is already taxed. But as more and more homes are added throughout the borough, it's surprising that no plans have been made to alleviate the transportation stress that will soon come with it. Until now. Today, Dan Levy, the president and CEO of CityRealty*, will present his proposal for the 'East River Skyway', an aerial gondola system that would run along the Brooklyn waterfront and into Manhattan, bringing commuters over the river in just 3.5 minutes.
Find out more about the proposed project
September 12, 2014

South Williamsburg’s New Cool: Everything Below Grand Catches Up with the North

There has always been a somewhat “invisible” line dividing ritzier North Williamsburg and the once-grittier-but-now-gentrifying South Williamsburg neighborhood—and that southern portion’s border is generally considered to be from Grand Street to Division Avenue between Union Avenue and the East River. And though this south side of the neighborhood continues to be populated by a diverse group of residents, new amenity-filled developments are quickly attracting a younger population and pushing prices to match those in the northern part of the nabe. Here, we take a look at some of the most notable developments and a few cool listings bridging the gap ahead.
Find out more here
September 3, 2014

Coffee Culture: Are Neighborhood Cafes the First Sign of Gentrification?

From “coffices” to lab-like minimalist gourmet coffee meccas to cozy neighborhood hangouts, neighborhood cafes are a fine example of the essential “third place” mentioned in discussions of community dynamics: that place, neither work nor home, where regulars gather and everyone’s welcome. Along with yoga studios, art galleries, community gardens, vintage clothing shops, restaurants with pedigreed owners and adventurous menus and, some say, a change in the offerings on local grocery shelves, cafes are often the earliest sign of neighborhood change. The neighborhood cafe serves as a testing ground for community cohesiveness while adventurous entrepreneurs test the still-unfamiliar waters around them. Beyond the literal gesture of offering sustenance, cafes provide a place where you can actually see who your neighbors are and appreciate the fact that at least some of them are willing to make an investment locally.
Get a fleeting glimpse of old New York City cafe culture in the West Village, meet the future of coffee distribution in Red Hook.
August 21, 2014

Mastering the Master Plan: A Look at NYC’s Planned Neighborhoods

We often think of the street grid as New York's greatest "master plan." Officially known as the Commissioners' Plan of 1811, this put in place the original, gridded street pattern that we still know today. But there have been several other master plans that took shape on a smaller scale within the linear configuration of Manhattan. These planned communities were largely conceived to transform blighted or underutilized areas into suburban enclaves or peaceful oases within the big city. And just like the neighborhoods that grew organically among the street grid, these master-planned areas each have a unique character. They've also influenced a new crop of developments, currently under construction on the West Side and in Brooklyn.
We take a look at planned communities that historically changed the fabric of the city, as well as those on the horizon
August 11, 2014

Scoping Out Staten Island: New Developments in the Oft-Forgotten Borough

You won't find any Staten Island jokes or snarky references to secession here. No, we're celebrating the borough that so easily gets forgotten amid the shiny new towers of Manhattan and trendy culture waves of Brooklyn. But just because it might not make daily headlines, doesn't mean that Staten Island isn't in the middle of some pretty amazing developments. From the Staten Island Ferris Wheel to the borough becoming the next great tech hub, we've rounded up the cultural, economic, and architectural projects that are going to make you want to board the Staten Island Ferry in pursuit of your new home.
Check out our list and get ready to start packing
August 7, 2014

Leading with LEED: A Look at NYC’s Eco-Friendly Housing

Radiant Orchid may be Pantone's color of the year, but here in New York City we think green is the hot hue of the moment. Eco-friendly design features and sustainable buildings are sprouting up faster than ever, and buyers are seeking out the next best green amenity, from Vitamin C-filtered showers to electric vehicle charging stations. And thanks to some A-list support from the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, environmentally friendly design is being embraced by developers and real estate professionals alike. Last week, we took a look at Battery Park City, the largest green neighborhood in the world, which is often credited with launching New York City's modern sustainable movement. And now we're exploring some of the latest eco-friendly buildings to follow in its footsteps and take advantage of contemporary environmental technologies.
Read about these green developments here
August 6, 2014

14 New Designs Proposed for Brooklyn Bridge Park Project – BIG, Asymptote and FXFOWLE on the Roster

The city has just received 14 new design proposals for the two remaining housing developments on the southern edge of Brooklyn Bridge Park, a site that has been the focus of a contentious affordable housing debate; namely whether such units should be added to the coveted waterfront site. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corp., which runs the park, will discuss the new proposals in a meeting today.
See all 14 proposals here
August 4, 2014

Design Trust for Public Space Announces Winning Ideas to Redefine NYC Public Spaces

Ever walk by an area with park benches, plantings, or public art, and think that something's missing... oh yeah, there's no people. Though positive in theory, some urban public spaces don't engage their communities and aren't efficiently designed. To address this issue, the Design Trust for Public Space held a competition, The Energetic City: Connectivity in the Public Realm, that requested project proposals to seed and develop projects that redefine New York City's public space. Four winning ideas were selected, and their implementation will begin immediately through a design prototype, pilot intervention, public artwork, and research, planning, or public outreach stages.
Check out the winning designs
July 31, 2014

Real Estate Wire: Chelsea Market May Get an Extension; United Charities Building Could Fetch $128M

Chelsea Market may expand with a 330,000-square-foot addition. New renderings see the brick structure topped off with a block of glass and steel. [Curbed] The city’s Economic Development Corporation will begin installing greenery and seating in Downtown Brooklyn’s Fox Square. The project kicks off in August and will take 6 months to complete. [CO] Queens Borough President Melinda Katz […]

July 31, 2014

A Suburban Enclave in Manhattan: Peeking Into Battery Park City

As New Yorkers, we learn to be resourceful. We can turn a tiny patch of grass into a full-on park, double the space of our 400-square-foot apartment with lofted rooms and suspended shelving, and get all of our reading in on the commute to work. But for some, this sacrificial lifestyle becomes too much, and daydreams of suburbia set in. Not ready to pack your bags for Jersey or Westchester just yet? Look to Battery Park City, a suburban-like enclave that's just a five-minute walk from Wall Street. The 92-acre planned residential community is the largest "green" neighborhood in the world, with more than one third of its total acreage covered in parks and gardens. Additionally, the area boasts spectacular waterfront views, large apartments, slightly more affordable prices than its Financial District neighbors, and an impressive collection of public art.
READ MORE
July 16, 2014

Mayor Bill De Blasio Proposes to Transform Downtown Brooklyn

Mayor Bill de Blasio is set to make a proposal on Wednesday that will launch an initiative to transform Downtown Brooklyn into a community that will rival some of its brownstone counterparts. The area has undoubtedly grown significantly over the last decade with new restaurants and cultural institutions that have attracted an influx of residents. However locals feel that the area still feels a bit disconnected. De Blasio’s plan aims to create a greater sense of community in the neighborhood.
Find out more about the proposal here
July 8, 2014

Bates Masi + Architects’ Potato Barn-Inspired Luxury Home Blends With the Landscape

NY-based Bates Masi + Architects designed a luxurious family home in East Hampton that pays homage to a local typology: the potato barn. Located in a 19th century waterfront community, the Piersons Way house consists of a series of gabled interconnected volumes clad in light Alaskan yellow shakes. This beautiful house rises among bamboo canes and tall silver grasses, protecting its own privacy while blending within the natural surroundings.
Tour the home here
July 8, 2014

West Village Federal Rowhouse with Surprise Attic Space Sells for $6 Million

Attics get a bad name as the cobweb-laden crawl space to store holiday decorations, the makeshift bedroom for the angry teenager in the house, or the unknown room that no one even dares enter. But behind the dormer windows of 651 Washington Street is a modern, spacious attic space that has been transformed to fit two sunny bedrooms, one of the many factors that likely led to its recent $6 million sale. Other selling points of the five-story, 2,800-square-foot home include four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a full-floor finished basement outfitted with a home gym, a private outdoor garden, and two separate dining rooms. The lucky buyer is Charles Modica, Co-Founder and Chancellor of St. George's University located in Grenada, West Indies.
See what else Mr. Modica will get to enjoy in his new residence
July 3, 2014

Game On!: Five New York Buildings with off the Hook Health Clubs

Roof decks, concierge services, screening rooms--these building amenities are so last year. The newest crop of luxury residential developments are offering more active perks. From basketball courts to rock-climbing walls, these calorie-burning features not only alleviate the need for a gym membership, but also offer the convenience of around-the-clock access and the ease of being just an elevator ride away from home.
See some of our picks for best building offerings that will get your heart rate up
July 1, 2014

$3.45 Million West Village Loft Accented with Glazed Glass Sells for Asking

The sprawling 3,200-square-foot loft at 377 West 11th Street has just sold for asking, according to city records. Apartment 1A is currently configured as a 3BR/2BA loft, but one of the bedrooms can be a guest bedroom or study, depending on what the new owner desires. The $3.45 million airy loft is accented by glazed glass throughout, making for an even more light-filled space. This architect-designed co-op doesn’t do anything halfway, with a spectacular foyer greeting you and ushering you into a living/dining room with 15-foot ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, and custom bookshelves. And we’re not talking just a few books, here. Get out your library card because these bookshelves have their own second story.
Want more? Look here
July 1, 2014

If at First You Don’t Succeed… Anne Hathaway Sells DUMBO Clocktower Loft the Second Time Around

After re-listing her DUMBO digs for the second time in early June, Anne Hathaway has found a buyer for her Clocktower loft, last priced at $4.25 million. Hathaway snagged the 2BR/3.5BA unit at 1 Main Street with then-fiancé Adam Shulman in February 2013 for $4.1 million, but reportedly never moved in, instead using the 2,592-square-foot apartment as an extremely oversized closet. The unit first hit the market in September 2013, but was removed shortly thereafter in December. The buyer hasn't yet been identified, but he or she will certainly not be disappointed with the giant master suite, library and media room, corner layout, and spectacular views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and Manhattan skyline.
Get All of the A-list details this way
June 27, 2014

INTERVIEW: Resolution: 4 Architecture’s Joseph Tanney Talks Prefab Homes and Designing NYC Apartments

Since it was founded in 1994, Resolution: 4 Architecture (RE4A) has been a game-changing force in the world of building and design. Founders Joseph Tanney and Robert Luntz were some of the first architects to embrace the idea of modular prefabricated homes, a concept that continues to grow in popularity for its cost0-efficiency, eco-friendly nature and versatility in design. The RE4A team has worked on numerous projects, ranging from envy-inducing vacation retreats to space-efficient lofts to the headquarters for Equinox gym. While they have helped design and build spaces across the nation, the firm calls New York City — specifically, Chelsea — home and plenty of Big Apple sensibilities show up in their work, which is bold, yet functional. We recently spoke with Tanney about RE4A's mission and upcoming work, plus his tips for creating a storage-friendly apartment.
Check out our full interview here
June 25, 2014

Before DUMBO Had a Dumb Name: Eamon Loingsigh’s New Novel References the Neighborhood’s Seamy Past

There’s been a lot of novels set in New York City (guilty myself, two times). When done right, such work can serve as a portal to the past, when New York was a distinctly different place, one often defined by its era and often in direct contrast to the current conditions. In Eamon Loingsigh’s powerful new novel, Light of the Diddicoy, reference is made in the very first line to the area “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.” Of course, any New Yorker worth his/her salted caramel custard from Shake Shack knows DUMBO, the Brooklyn nabe known for its pricey lofts and tony boutiques, its art galleries and swank eateries and a grassy park that sprawls along the water’s edge below the span of East River bridges. Lovely. The characters in Loingsigh’s novel aren’t so privileged, for they lived in DUMBO 100 years ago, long before any clunky acronyms, when the waterfront was a war zone, and the novel’s narrator, Liam Garrity, a displaced and desperate Irish immigrant, all of 14 years, fell in with a brutal gang as a matter of survival.
More about 'Light of the Diddicoy' here